Health, Safety and Fire Risk Assessment Cedar Court ... · Assessment checked by: Chris Butler...

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BUTLER HAYDON ASSOCIATES LIMITED

Health, Safety and Fire Risk Assessment

Client:

Date of Assessment: 20th September 2017

Assessment conducted by: Kynan Cooper Assessment checked by: Chris Butler AIIRSM

Butler Haydon Associates Limited Registered Office, 2 Marston Road, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire, EN11 0AD

Company Reg. No. 7287674. VAT Reg. No. 107384716

Cedar Court Management (Gerrards Cross) Limited

Report: HSFRA338

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Contents

1 Introduction

2 Executive Summary

3 Risk & Hazard Evaluation

4 Compliance Schedule

5 Details of significant findings

6 Management Action Plan

7 Fire Safety Information

Report: HSFRA338

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1. Introduction Health, Safety and Fire Risk Assessment Butler Haydon Associates Ltd was instructed by Cedar Court to conduct a Health, Safety and Fire Risk Assessment of the residential property at:

Property Type

Residential (dwelling) ✓ Residential (Institutional)

Office Shop and Commercial

Assembly and Recreation Industrial

Storage

Reference: Building Regulations 2010, Approved Document B (Fire Safety) Volume 2, table D1

Property Details

Number of persons: Residents of 10 flats in two blocks plus visitors and contractors.

Floor / floors: Entire building, comprising common areas of ground, 1st and 2nd floors.

Building amenities: Mains operated smoke alarms. Lift.

Escape facilities: 1 staircase leading from the ground to 2nd floor with one ground floor exit.

Date of construction: 1998

40 Oval Road, Gerrards Cross,

SL9 8PD

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Health and Safety This risk assessment addresses the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and is made in accordance with Regulation 3 of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

Fire The fire risk assessment addresses the requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) order 2005 which came into force on 1st October 2006. This order places a duty upon the responsible person to conduct a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks and to identify any fire precautions necessary. The report does not address the risk to property or business continuity from fire. The principle of the ‘stay put’ policy is based upon flat / room compartmentation and the buildings fire safety provisions. Since the 1970’s buildings have been constructed so that the structure of the flat – walls, floors and doors – are designed to give appropriate resistance from a fire for a specified period of time. The fire resistance of this construction is such that, normally, a fire will burn itself out before spreading to other parts of the building. It is important that where stay put policy’s are in force the responsible person should ensure that the building is properly constructed (so that the structure (walls, floors and doors) are designed to give appropriate protection) and that any refurbishment or maintenance is carried out to compliant standards of fire safety.

Legal Position – Residential Developments All residential developments must have a risk assessment carried out for the health and safety of common areas and this is a requirement of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999. It might seem easy to argue that the common areas are not areas of work and that accidents are few and far between but if cleaners, gardeners, managing agents or repair contractors enter them, then a risk assessment must be made. The courts and the Health and Safety Executive do consider common or communal areas as included in health and safety regulations (see Westminster City Council v Select Management Ltd. Court of Appeal 1985). This can include gardens, grounds, plant rooms, loft areas, meter cupboards and lift motor rooms.

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Report Caveats & Disclaimers This report is based on a Type 1 risk assessment of the common parts only; the

assessment was not in any way invasive and did not include the flats / houses

themselves. It should be noted that work / alterations carried out within the flats /

houses can impact on the safety of the buildings in a number of ways, if the responsible

person is aware of any such work which may affect other occupant’s safety then a Type

3 or 4 survey would be required. Whilst all care and effort is taken to identify hazards

and risks during the inspection Butler Haydon Associates Ltd accepts no responsibility or

liability for the absences of any information, inaccuracy or omission. The content of this

report is based on the information and access provided at the time of inspection, the

recommendations or advice in this report are based on evidence seen. No guarantee can

be given that any subsequent visit by inspectors with statutory powers will not result in

other breaches of legislation being found. Whilst every care is taken to interpret current

Acts, Regulations and Approved Codes of Practices, these can only be authoritatively

interpreted by Courts of Law. Any suggestions or recommendations contained in the

report are suggestions only and it shall be the responsibility of the responsible person or

persons carrying out subsequent works to ensure the most appropriate remedy.

Scope of the fire risk assessment

Type 1 – Basic fire risk assessment of the common parts to satisfy the FSO.

Type 2 – As Type 1 but with an element of invasiveness.

Type 3 – As Type 1 but includes the flats themselves.

Type 4 – As Type 2 but includes the flats themselves.

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2. Executive Summary On the 20th September 2017 Butler Haydon conducted a health, safety and fire risk assessment of the property on behalf of Cedar Court Management (Gerrards Cross) Limited. This risk assessment encompasses the internal and external common areas, shared access / escape routes and common service and plant installations. Below is a summary of the significant findings: It is recommended that the risk assessment be reviewed by a competent person by 19th September 2018 or at such earlier time as there is a reason to suspect that it is no longer valid or there have been significant changes.

Kynan Cooper

Butler Haydon Associates Limited

The property is a purpose built residential development (purpose group 1 [a] flats). Firestopping of service penetrations is poor and service cupboard doors are missing cold smoke seals / intumescent strips. Smoke detectors are missing from some of the floors. Signage at the development is poor. Risk assessments, observations and comments concerning the hazards identified can be found in Section 5. The Action Plan in Section 6 identifies remedial actions required and should be used to record the measures taken and the implementation dates. Section 4 provides an overview of the legal compliance of this property.

Signed:

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3. Risk and Hazard Evaluation

The regulations make the following definitions, which must be clearly understood:

A ‘Hazard’ is defined as something with the potential to cause harm. This includes injury

and ill health, damage to plant, goods, property or the environment.

‘Risk’ is the likelihood that the harm from a particular hazard is realised.

Risk Rating is expressed as: Severity of the Hazard x Likelihood of Occurrence

Risk

In order to ensure that the greatest risks are addressed first it is necessary to be able to

rank those risks. To do this takes a subjective judgement of both the likelihood of damage

occurring (the likelihood) and the potential damage that would occur if the worst were to

happen (the severity). By assigning a value to each events likelihood and hazard and

multiplying those together a risk value for that task is established.

Likelihood of Occurrence – Probable Frequency (taking into account whatever

precautions are currently being taken):

1 Improbable Occurrence Low

2 Remote Occurrence 1% – 10%

3 Possible Occurrence 10% - 50%

4 Probable Occurrence 50% - 90%

5 Almost Certain Occurrence 90% +

Severity – of the Hazard:

1 Negligible

2 Minor Injury

3 Major Injury (as defined by RIDDOR)

4 Fatality

5 Multiple Fatalities

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Risk Rating – The expression of the risk is then the sum of multiplying likelihood by severity

as in the grid below:

Seve

rity

5 5 10 15 20 25 Priority & Action Required

4 4 8 12 16 20 1 Unacceptable risk – Plan out. Immediate Action

3 3 6 9 12 15 2 Acceptable only in no other method viable. Risk must be urgently reduced

2 2 4 6 8 10 3 No major additional controls required. Improvement necessary

1 1 2 3 4 5 4 Acceptable. No further action required.

1 2 3 4 5

Likelihood

The risk rating can then be applied to categorising risks into order of priority and action required. The risk assessment will evaluate the following criteria:

Health and Safety

▪ Persons at risk – Residents (including children), contractors, visitors, public ▪ Trips, slips and falls (same level) ▪ Falls from height ▪ Safe access and egress ▪ Safety signage and notices ▪ Mechanical services (incl lifts) ▪ Electrical services ▪ Water supply systems ▪ Gas supply systems ▪ Control of Asbestos ▪ Building maintenance

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Fire

▪ Persons at risk – Residents (including children), contractors, visitors, public ▪ Fire / smoke detection and warning systems ▪ Other fire protection systems (passive and active) ▪ Safety signage and notices ▪ Emergency lighting ▪ Means of escape ▪ Sources of fuel ▪ Sources of ignition ▪ Sources of Oxygen ▪ Limitation of fire and fire spread (Compartmentation and structure)

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Compliance Schedule There are a number of legal requirements which impose a duty on those responsible for the management of buildings (landlords, managing agents, and managing companies) to ensure that a programme of maintenance, inspection and testing is in place. The schedule below identifies conformity or not to the legislation. Should there be any non-conformity or if information is not available at the time of the inspection then full details can be found in section 5. Note that in some developments a number of the legal requirements may not be applicable. An example of this is fall arrest equipment. It is not a legal requirement to install fall arrest protection systems in all properties. However, if required and installed the equipment must be adequately maintained and tested. N/A Not applicable at this development C Conforms to current legislation N/C Does not conform to current legislation. See section 5 for details NIA No information available. Responsible person to investigate

Legal Requirement N/A C N/C NIA Regular fire risk assessment ✓

Regular health and safety risk assessment ✓

Asbestos management plan ✓

‘No Smoking’ signage in place ✓

Safety signage in place ✓

Smoke / fire detection systems inspected and maintained ✓

Fire-fighting equipment inspected and tested ✓

Emergency Lighting conforming to BS EN 50172 & BS 5266 ✓

Legionella risk assessment / testing & disinfection of tanks ✓

Electrical installation inspected (periodic test 5 yearly) ✓

Electrical appliances inspected ✓

Fall arrest protection systems inspected ✓

Contractors risk assessments provided ✓

Lifts inspected and maintained ✓

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5. Details of Significant Findings

5.1 N/A Yes No Risk Rating Priority

Fixed electrical installation periodically inspected and tested

✓ 4 3

Hazards observed and comments

A notice in the electrical cupboard of block 1-5 states that the last inspection was carried out in May 2017. It is assumed that this also applies to block 6-10. Managing agent to confirm.

Persons at Risk

Residents Children Visitors Contractors Public

Current control measures

Recommended control measures

All fixed electrical installations should be subject to an Electrical Installations Condition Report (EICR) carried out by a suitably qualified electrician at periods not exceeding 5 years.

Monitoring and future requirements

5.2 N/A Yes No Risk Rating

Priority

Electrical installation and all electrical equipment secure and undamaged

✓


Satisfactory – Installation appears to all be in ordered. It is assumed that as there is notification an inspection has been carried out all is in order. See 5.1 above.

Persons at Risk




Any faulty and/or damaged electrical installations should be repaired or replaced by a suitably qualified electrician at the earliest opportunity. All outdoor meter boxes must be compliant with BS 8567:2012 - Specification for outdoor electricity meter cupboards.


In addition to the 5 yearly EICR the responsible person/s should carry out regular visual inspections to monitor the condition of sockets, switches, light fittings etc.

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5.3 N/A Yes No Risk

Rating Priority

Are electrical appliances (fixed or portable) fit for purpose and subject to regular testing?

✓ 6 3


Portable heaters installed in common areas. Currently these are not hard wired and so annual PAT testing is required. Alternatively, if these were to be hard wired testing is required 4 yearly although it would be reasonable to incorporate this into the 5 yearly EICR.

Persons at Risk

Residents ✓ Children ✓ Visitors Contractors Public


Unknown


If any portable equipment is supplied for use within the common areas it must be PAT tested. Where heaters are installed in the common areas it is essential to guard against injury and fire. The hierarchy of controls should be as follows … a) Ensure there are no combustibles above or near to the heaters (eg. Notice boards) b) Fit guards over heaters to prevent contact with skin. c) Fit signs warning “Hot surface, do not touch, do not cover” d) Testing required every 4 years Table lamps are to be tested every 2 years.



Priority

‘No Smoking’ signage displayed ✓ 4 3


No signage is installed

Persons at Risk

Residents ✓ Children ✓ Visitors ✓ Contractors Public



In order to comply with the “Smoke-free (Signs) Regulations 2012” at least 1 legible no-smoking sign must be displayed in smoke-free premises in accordance with the duty at section 6(1) of the Health Act 2006.


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5.5 N/A Yes No Risk

Rating Priority

Are all service and riser cupboards free from obstructions and combustible materials

✓ 8 2


The electrical cupboards in both blocks were being used for storage. Such items included paint, which is combustible. This not only adds to the fire load on the building but will obstruct contractors from accessing the services as well as increasing the possibility of damage occurring to the installations.

Persons at Risk

Residents ✓ Children ✓ Visitors ✓ Contractors ✓ Public


Unknown


Keep all service cupboards clear and locked.


Monitor service cupboards to ensure they remain clear at all times and especially clear of all combustible material.

Service cupboards to

be kept clear at all

times

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Priority

Are all internal and external escape routes clear of obstructions, combustible materials, slip and trip hazards

✓ 6 3


There were loose floor mats to the entrances of both blocks. These are trip/slip hazards and should either be removed or replaced with fixed, recessed mats. There was a push chair being stored on the top floor of block 1-5. Additionally, the floors inside the lift gear cupboards are significantly lower than the floors in the common areas. A form of warning signage should be installed to prevent contractors from injury. One of the heaters in block 6-10 was plugged into a socket adapter. This is a fire hazard and should not be used in the common areas.

Persons at Risk



Residents advised to keep common areas clear of all obstructions and trip hazards


All escape routes, both internal and external, leading from the individual flats to a place of safety should be free from all obstructions, combustible and flammable items and should be free from trip/slip hazards.


It is important to ensure that all escape routes are regularly monitored and that residents are aware of the need to keep such areas clear at all times.

Escape routes to be

clear and warning

signage to be installed

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Are all stairs, steps and floors in good condition including floor coverings

✓


Persons at Risk





Monitor stairs, steps and floors for signs of damage


Exits easily and immediately opened where necessary and doors on the route open in the direction of travel?

✓


Persons at Risk




The fire doors on the escape routes should open in the direction of travel (towards the exit). It is common for the final exit door in blocks of flats to open inwards, due to the occupancy of the buildings this is considered to be low risk.



Exits are within a reasonable distance where there is a single direction of travel and/or an alternative escape route

✓


Persons at Risk





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Are all internal fire doors correctly labelled and closed or locked

✓ 6 3


“Fire door Keep Locked Shut” signage is required on each of the electrical cupboards and lift gear cupboards. Electrical warning signage is required on both of the electrical cupboards.

Persons at Risk



Warning signage installed on lift gear cupboards


Keep all service / riser cupboard doors locked and signed. All lobby doors to be shut fully



Priority

Are all doors servicing the protected escape route fitted with correctly functioning door closers

✓


Persons at Risk





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Are all fire doors fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke brush seals?

✓ 10 1


The electrical and lift gear cupboard doors have not fitted with either intumescent strips or cold smoke seals.

Persons at Risk

Residents ✓ Children ✓ Visitors ✓ Contractors Public Current control measures

None


To ensure that the fire doors are fit for purpose the following action is recommended;

• All fire doors should be fitted with dual purpose fire/smoke seals.

• The gaps around the door frames should be sealed with suitable fire retardant/intumescent sealants.

• Any holes in the doors or frames should be sealed / repaired.

• Any glazing in the doors should be fire rated and fitted with intumescent seals.

• Where the above measures will not achieve a minimum 30 minute rating the doors/frames should be replaced.

Doors leading into the escape route from the flats should all be fitted with intumescent strips and cold smoke seals and be 30 minute fire rated. For the purpose of this report it is assumed this is the case. For a list of competent fire protection contractors go to www.firas-database.co.uk/registers/


http://www.firas-database.co.uk/registers/

http://www.firas-database.co.uk/registers/

Report: HSFRA338

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Are all fire doors in good condition and suitable for purpose?

✓ 8 2


The doors to flat 5 have been changed. Verification is needed as to their fire rating.

Persons at Risk

Occupants ✓ Children ✓ Visitors ✓ Contractors Public



Monitor condition of fire doors to ensure they fit correctly within the frame and are not damaged so as to reduce their effectiveness. Gaps between the door and frame should not exceed 2-4mm (8mm underneath the door / 3mm to restrict smoke). Doors, including access hatches to cupboards, ducts and vertical shafts linking floors, exiting directly onto the protected escape route should be capable of resisting the passage of smoke and fire for 30 minutes. Wherever possible the fixing of a letter plate to a fire resisting door should be avoided. Letter plates should ideally be positioned in the lower part of the door and should confirm to BS EN 13724: 2013. Cat flaps should not be installed in fire doors. Any glazing in the doors should be fire rated and fitted with intumescent seals. Fire doors can be verified at the time of purchase through the manufacturer or supplier or in some instances by inspecting the door itself where markings may be present. Hollow flush doors, older panel doors, uPVC doors or those that are less than 44mm thick are unlikely to be fire rated. All door sets leading directly into the protected escape route must be rated FD30s.


All doors servicing the escape route to

be 30 minute fire rated as a minimum

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Fire Action Notice displayed? ✓ 4 3


No signage was displayed

Persons at Risk

Residents ✓ Children Visitors ✓ Contractors Public


None


Fire safety advice should be provided to all residents, this should include details of their responsibility for fire safety and what action to take in the event of a fire.


Install signage and ensure notice remains intact and legible


Information for other users? ✓


Residential tenants only – No action required

Persons at Risk

Occupants Children Visitors Contractors Public



If the building is mixed use (e.g. residential and commercial) the responsible person should ensure that details of any matters affecting the other users is effectively communicated. Additionally, if there are shared escape routes then the fire policy will need to be co-ordinated between all tenants.


Communication between different users of the building should be an ongoing process


Is adequate escape and warning signage in place

✓


Not applicable - No change of direction

Persons at Risk





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Are the escape routes adequately lit ✓


Emergency lighting is installed.

Persons at Risk




It is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 that; “Emergency routes and exits requiring illumination must be provided with emergency lighting of adequate intensity in the case of failure of their normal lighting”



Where emergency lighting is installed is it maintained and tested regularly?

✓ 6 3


The managing agent has confirmed that a maintenance contract is in place, however the date of the last test and frequency are unknown. Confirmation required.

Persons at Risk



Some testing in place


Monthly functional tests are to be carried out. A full system discharge test is to be carried out annually.


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Is a manual or automatic fire detection system installed and being maintained

✓ 6 3


Mains operated smoke alarms are installed in both blocks, however, there were no detectors on the top floor of block 6-10 or on the first floor of either block. This building operates a stay put policy in the event of a fire and so smoke alarms are not required in the common parts. If smoke alarms are to be used then detectors should ideally be placed on each floor. At the time of inspection, it was not known when the last test took place.

Persons at Risk



Unknown


The provision of smoke alarms in the common areas is currently a contentious issue. The London Fire Brigade (LFB) has recently commented; “If they are in place we would want to see justification for fitting them. The reasoning behind this is that smoke detection in the common parts should not be necessary due to the fact that they should be sterile areas with nothing to burn. An alarm sounding in the common parts would encourage residents out of their flats into the hazardous area” Common areas must remain clear of all obstructions, flammable fixtures, fittings and goods at all times


Ensure that common areas remain sterile environments and are free from all flammable fixtures, fittings and goods. Weekly functional test required for smoke detectors, sounders, and manual call points. Six monthly inspection and test of the full system.

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Is it considered that there is reasonable compartmentation to prevent the spread of smoke and fire

✓ 12 1


There are service penetrations in the electrical cupboard of block 6-10 which have not been fire stopped. In both electrical cupboards, wiring travels into trunking and out of the cupboard and it is not possible to verify whether any firestopping measures have taken place. Additionally, firestopping of service penetrations in the individual meter cupboards leading into flats does not appear to have taken place.

Persons at Risk



None


In order to delay the spread of heat and smoke (especially in unseen areas) the following fire stopping measures are recommended …

• All service penetrations, cavities, construction joints etc are sealed with products designed to resist the spread of heat/smoke.

• Doors (including access hatches to cupboards, ducts and vertical shafts linking floors) walls, floors and ceilings protecting escape routes should be capable of resisting the passage of smoke and fire for long enough so that people can escape from the building. Generally regarded as 30 minutes.

• All wooden loft hatches are replaced with fire rated loft hatches. For a list of competent fire protection contractors go to www.firas-database.co.uk/registers/


Ensure all contractors are aware that new service penetrations need to be filled with material designed to resist the spread of heat and smoke

All service penetrations should be filled

with fire and smoke resistant material

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Where present, is fixed (Dry or wet risers, sprinkler systems, smoke vents) and portable fire fighting equipment regularly serviced and maintained

✓


Persons at Risk




It is a requirement of the Regulatory Reform (Fire safety) Order 2005 that; “Any facilities, equipment and devices provided in respect of the premises for use by or protection of fire fighters …. are subject to a suitable system of maintenance and are maintained in an efficient state”. Where necessary the responsible person should arrange for maintenance of all such equipment. Smoke vents are to be serviced annually to confirm to BS7346-8: 2013. Dry or wet risers are to be maintained and serviced in accordance with BS9990: 2015. Service check every 6 months, pressure test annually. All signage should be monitored to ensure that it remains legible and intact. If fire extinguishers are present residents need to be trained in their use.


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Does basic security against arson by outsiders appear reasonable?1

✓


It should be noted that the entrance door to block 1-5 was open at the time of inspection, however, it appeared that a contractor was working on site at the time and needed to make regular trips in and out of the building. Entrance doors to remain locked at all times when not in use.

Persons at Risk



Locked entrance door to common areas


In order to reduce the risk of arson it is recommended that the common entrance doors are kept locked, preferably fitted with an intercom system, and that storage of combustibles such as junk mail and paper recycling is limited to the refuse areas.



Are any combustible or flammable materials stored at the development

✓


See 5.1 above

Persons at Risk




Combustible or flammable materials are not to be stored in the development


Regular managing agent visits

1 Reasonable only in the context of this risk assessment. If specific advice on security (including security against arson) is required, the advice of a security specialist should be obtained.

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Priority

Is there an absence of unnecessary fire load in close proximity to the building, or available for ignition by outsiders?

✓


Persons at Risk



Waste bins are emptied regularly



Managing Agent inspections


Is there satisfactory control over works carried out in the building by outside contractors (including risk assessments and ‘Hot Work’ permits)?

✓


Persons at Risk



Managing agent confirms risk assessments from employed contractors


All contractors working at the property should be assessed to ensure they are competent for the task/s to be undertaken. This includes assessment of their arrangements for health & safety in respect of the risks to themselves, their employees and to all others who may be affected by their activities. Written records of such assessments should be kept by the responsible person/s along with copies of the contractor’s public liability insurance. It is a requirement under Regulation 38 to provide fire safety information to the responsible person at completion for all building works subject to Building Regulations in England and Wales. Compliance with CDM 2015 is also required.


Managing agent to monitor and ensure all future contractors provide risk assessments

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Is an asbestos register on site or details of where to view it?

✓


Not applicable – The managing agent has confirmed that no ACMs are present at the development.

Persons at Risk




The Control of Asbestos Regulations impose a duty on the responsible persons to identify any asbestos containing material (ACM) used in the construction of the buildings and to implement adequate means of managing the ACM and the risk it poses. If the building was constructed prior to 2000 it should be assumed that ACM is present, a survey carried out by a competent professional should identify any that exists. In buildings constructed after 2000 it is safe to assume that ACM was not used in the construction and no further action is required.


If ACM’s are present the responsible person must implement a management plan to control the risk of exposure. Display signage and ensure it remains intact and legible. Review any ACM’s left in place, including those that have sealed or enclosed, to see if they have deteriorated or been damaged or disturbed in anyway. The time between inspections will depend on the type of material, where it is and its condition but it should be at least every 6 to 12 months.

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Are automatic gates / roller shutters fitted with crush safeguards in accordance with BS EN 12453 and subject to regular maintenance?

✓


Automatic vehicle gates installed. Managing agent has confirmed that a maintenance contract is in place.

Persons at Risk



Maintenance contract in place


The responsible person/s should undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify any hazards and associated risks to persons using electrically powered gates, consideration must be given to unauthorised users such as children who may play on or near the gates. The risk assessment should identify any trapping and/or crushing hazards both at the hinge area and the leading edge of the gate/s when it is closing. It is prudent to carry out regular force testing to ensure that any safety sensors fitted to the gates are activated before the force is sufficient to cause injury. Where the gates are identified as a machine under the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 a conformity assessment should have been undertaken prior to the commissioning of the gates. At all times manufacturers guidelines should be followed and the equipment CE marked.



Is there any external trip, slip or fall hazards?

✓


Persons at Risk



General ongoing maintenance


Monitor the grounds regularly and do not allow moss to build-up


General ongoing maintenance

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Is there any risk of injury from falling objects (both internal and external)

✓


Persons at Risk




Routine inspections of the property should include visual checks of all high level areas of the buildings, all walls and fences and any trees on or near the property.



Are refuse storage facilities adequately maintained, clean and safe?

✓


Persons at Risk

Residents Children Visitors Contractors Public Current control measures


For obvious hygiene reasons communal refuse storage facilities should be maintained in as clean a condition as possible with all waste sealed in bags and placed within receptacles which are suitable for such storage. Refuse should be regularly removed. Ideally refuse should be stored away from the main residential buildings, where this is not possible it is vital to ensure that bulk refuse such as furniture is not placed in the bin stores as this will increase the risk of arson. Where necessary lighting should be provided to ensure that residents using the refuse stores can clearly see what they are doing.


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5.31 N/A Yes No Risk

Rating Priority

Do windows above ground floor level have guards or restrictors complying with Building Regulations Part K

✓ 8 2


The windows on the first-floor landings of both blocks are situated between floors, which leaves a gap in which it is possible to fall. It is recommended that guards are fitted across these windows.

Persons at Risk




Windows to remain locked or have restrictors fitted to limit opening.


Barriers to be installed across

windows

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Where a lift is installed does it have an emergency call facility, appropriate signage and is it subject to regular maintenance?

✓ 6 3


Lifts installed. The managing agent has confirmed that an annual contract is in place. Lifts should be inspected at least every 6 months. No warning signage is installed.

Persons at Risk



Some servicing being recorded in the site logbook.


It is a requirement of the Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 that all passenger lifts are subject to a thorough examination at least every 6 months. The regulations also require lifts to be fitted with a system such as an emergency alarm system to ensure that trapped persons can be freed. The responsible person should ensure that a contract is in place in respect of the lift maintenance, this should include the maintenance of the emergency call facility.


All signage should be monitored to ensure that it remains legible and intact.


Are water storage systems checked and tested regularly (Legionella)

✓


Persons at Risk




If water is stored in communal tanks prior to distribution to the individual properties it is vital to ensure that the water is safe for consumption. Reference should be made to the Risk Assessment carried out on the water system to determine the frequency of testing required. The responsible person should ensure a risk assessment is carried out and reviewed regularly specifically when there is reason to believe the previous risk assessment may no longer be valid. For full details of the requirements for the treating and testing of water systems please refer to the HSE approved Code of Practice (ACOP) “Legionnaires Disease: The control of Legionella Bacteria in water systems”.


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Are there any defects relating to the building fabric or failings with the maintenance regime

✓


Persons at Risk




Since the 1970’s buildings have been constructed so that the structure of the flat – walls, floors and doors – are designed to give appropriate resistance from a fire. The Local Government Group’s publication, Fire Safety in Purpose Built Blocks of Flats, recognises that the standards of compartmentation have changed over the years with advances in materials, technology and building design / regulation (Building Regulations). It is likely that older buildings will not achieve the minimum levels of fire resistance expected today and it may be necessary to upgrade materials in some circumstances. Any building works or maintenance within the building should also comply with this. Any building works subject to Building Regulations must also comply with Regulation 38 of the building regulations (2010) which states that “The person carrying out the work shall give fire safety information to the responsible person not later than the date of completion of the work, or the date of occupation … whichever is earlier.”

Compliance with CDM 2015 is also required.


The condition of the building fabric should be checked on a regular basis. Frequency and results of maintenance to be monitored.

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Is there adequate emergency services access?

✓


Persons at Risk

Occupants Children Visitors Contractors Public




Emergency services need to gain access to the property in order to carry out their duty sufficiently. Entrance gates should be a minimum of 3.1 metres wide to allow fire engines access. If no Dry Rising Main is in place the furthest point in the building can be no further than 18 metres from the fire engine. Further consideration should be given if there is a playground on site for ambulance access to the specific area. With reference to the London Fire Brigade's fire safety guidance note (GN11) pertaining to security doors and gates it should be noted that :-

• Any door / gate should be easily opened to escape from inside without the use of a

key

• It should be possible to breach any door / gate within 3 minutes (using hand held

equipment)

• Security doors and security gates should not be installed together, only one should

be required.

• When installed, gates should be left open when occupants are at home and locked

only when occupants are out.

It is for the managing agents and Directors to decide on the best course of action considering both fire safety and security.

33

6. Management Action Plan

It is considered that the following recommendations should be implemented in order to reduce the risks to an acceptable level.

Recommendations in the Management Action Plan have been classified with a risk priority

Hazard No.

Action Required. By Whom

Suggested Time scale

Risk Priority

Action Taken / Complete

5.1 Action

Electrical testing of block 6-10 unconfirmed Confirmation required

Managing Agent

1-2 months 3

5.3 Action

No evidence of PAT testing for heaters Verify / arrange for PAT testing

Managing Agent

1-2 months 3

5.4 Action

No Smoking signage missing Install signage

Managing Agent

1-2 months 3

5.5 Action

Electrical cupboards used for storage Keep all service cupboards clear

Managing Agent

2-4 months 2

5.6 Action

Hazards in the escape route / lift cupboards Keep escape routes clear / install warning signage

Managing Agent

1-2 months / 2-4

months

3

5.10 Action

Signage missing from fire doors Install signage

Managing Agent

1-2 months 3

Report: HSFRA338

34

5.12 Action

No smoke seals or intumescent strips on fire doors Install smoke seals and intumescent strips

Managing Agent

2-4 months 1

5.13 Action

Fire rating of Flat 5 entrance doors unknown Verification required

Managing Agent

1-2 months 2

5.14 Action

Fire action notices missing Install signage

Managing Agent

1-2 months 3

5.18 Action

Emergency light testing unknown Verify/arrange for testing

Managing Agent

1-2 months 3

5.19 Action

Smoke detectors missing Install detectors on each floor or remove existing / Verify/arrange for testing

Managing Agent

3-6 months / 1-2

months

3

5.20 Action

Firestopping of service penetrations Arrange for firestopping

Managing Agent

2-4 months 1

5.31 Action

Window/floor gap on first-floor stair landing Fit barriers across windows/gaps

Managing Agent

3-6 months 2

5.32 Action

Lifts to be serviced bi-annually. Signage missing. Arrange for servicing. Install Signage

Managing agent

1-2 months 3

35

7. Fire Safety Information

Fire Safety Advice for Residents

Protect you and your household The easiest way to protect your home and family from fire is with a working smoke alarm. A smoke alarm can provide an early warning of a fire and allow you to make your escape – but only if it is working. You are more than twice as likely to die in a fire if you do not have a working smoke alarm.

• Fit smoke alarms on every level of your home

• Make sure your smoke alarms meet British and European standards

• Test your smoke alarms regularly

• Never disconnect or take the batteries out of your smoke alarm You can prevent fire from happening by taking a few simple steps

• Do not leave cooking unattended and avoid leaving children in the kitchen with cooking on the hob

• Be especially vigilant when cooking with oil. Do not overfill chip pans and NEVER put water on a chip pan fire

• Make sure cigarettes are put out properly, use proper ashtrays and do not smoke in bed

• Do not overload electrical sockets

• Turn off appliances when not in use

• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach and sight of children

• Make sure candles are secured in proper holders and away from materials that may catch fire

• Children should not be left alone with candles In the common areas

• Do not leave your belongings or rubbish in corridors or the stairway

• Do not obstruct exit doors

• Ensure that all fire doors are kept closed This could affect you and your neighbours if there is a fire. Remember:

• Test your smoke alarm regularly

• Keep the exit route from your flat clear so you can escape in an emergency

• Close doors at night, especially the doors to lounges and kitchen to prevent fire spreading

PLAN YOUR ESCAPE NOW. Be prepared and do not wait until it happens.

Report: HSFRA338

36

‘Stay Put’ Policy The principle of the ‘stay put’ policy is based upon flat / room compartmentation and the

buildings fire safety provisions.

Since the 1970’s buildings have been constructed so that the structure of the flat – walls,

floors and doors – are designed to give appropriate resistance from a fire for a specified

period of time. The fire resistance of this construction is such that, normally, a fire will burn

itself out before spreading to other parts of the building.

In the event of a fire

If the fire is elsewhere in the building:

• In a purpose built residential development such as this it is usually safest to adopt a “Stay Put” policy, unless you feel threatened, the smoke or heat is affecting you or the Fire and Rescue Service instruct you to leave.

If the fire is in your residence:

• Try to remain calm, leave the building in an orderly fashion and if possible make sure that all windows and doors are closed as you leave. Do not stop to collect possessions.

• Do not use any lifts.

• Do not use a balcony unless it is a designated escape route.

It should not be implied that those not directly involved who wish to leave the building

should be prevented from doing so. Nor does this preclude those evacuating a flat that is on

fire from alerting their neighbours so that they can also escape if they feel threatened.

Dial 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue Service, give them the phone number you are

calling from and the address where the fire exists. If you have evacuated do not return to

the property unless instructed by the Fire Service.

Date post:	07-Aug-2020
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Health, Safety and Fire Risk Assessment Cedar Court ... · Assessment checked by: Chris Butler...

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